Guyana’s economy expanded by an estimated 33.3 percent in the first half of 2026, while the non-oil economy grew by 10.1 percent. President Dr. Irfaan Ali says the figures demonstrate continued strength and diversification across the economy.
He also announced that the country’s full-year real GDP growth forecast has now been revised to 20.8 percent, with non-oil growth projected at 10.2 percent.
The President also pointed to significant changes in consumer spending, particularly the increased use of credit cards. He disclosed that foreign currency required for credit-card settlements jumped from US$140 million in 2024 to US$430 million in 2025.
Meantime, foreign currency purchases by commercial banks also increased by 26.8 percent during the first half of 2026, while Bank of Guyana injections rose from US$642 million to US$836 million.
President Ali says demand remains significant, with approximately US$1.575 billion projected between September 10 and the end of December. The Government is also examining foreign currency demand associated with the repatriation of profits by regional and multinational companies and their financing of capital expansion.